The Italian job
Open Door - May 2006 pages 8-9
Ken Dickson
Who would have thought it? A sixty one year old bloke heading to Turin for the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games with the GB Wheelchair Curling Team.
I wouldn't!
Not in 1995 when I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS.
Certainly not in 1997 when I started to use a wheelchair. I had been active and fit before MS (very junior rugby then recreational running, marathons/half marathons mostly) and diagnosis hit me hard.
Then in 2001 I discovered wheelchair curling and I was instantly hooked. I now found a good reason to get out of the house and a much needed outlet for the competitive side of my character.
The rules for wheelchair curling are exactly the same as those for regular curlers apart from no sweeping being permitted. Stones are delivered using an extender cue - a telescopic pole with a plastic fitment on the end to fit over the handle of the curling stone. From a sitting position the cue makes delivery easier and more accurate. Chairs are stabilised by a fellow team member holding on to your wheels.
Ken Dickson delivering a stone during the 2006 Paralympics
In 2004 and 2005 I was a member of the Scottish teams that took the gold at the World Championships and was then selected for the GB team when wheelchair curling was included in the Paralympics for the first time in 2006.
We travelled out a week before the Games with our five support staff (Coach, Team Manager, Physiotherapist and Notational Analyst and, very essential for us wheelies, our off ice assistant and general 'go-for'). The sports of sledge hockey and skiing were also representing GB and a nurse and doctor looked after us all along with a strong contingent from the British Paralympic Association.
Security was very high profile with police escorts and all baggage x-rayed before entering the Paralympic village. Security was particularly tight when we were visited by Cheri Blair, the Prime Minister's wife, and Ann McGuire, the Minister for Disabled People. This latter meeting took place on the car test track located on the roof of the old Fiat building where they shot a scene from the film 'The Italian Job'.
The opening ceremony involved the usual music, dance and fireworks spectacular. It was a true celebration of what the 'less able' can achieve and I had a great sense of camaraderie and anticipation for the competition ahead.
The competition
The wheelchair curling competition took place in the historic town of Pinerolo, south west of Turin, and the competition got underway in an atmosphere of excitement and tension not experienced in any other event. I now know what makes Paralympic, and indeed Olympic, Games so unique.
Throughout the week's competition all the teams were evenly matched and most games were hard fought in front of a full arena of noisy but appreciative spectators - apparently far outnumbering those who attended the mainstream Olympic competition, which is very gratifying.
In the round robin stage of the competition we beat Denmark, Sweden, Italy and USA, and lost to Switzerland, Norway, and Canada after an extra end. This was enough to get through to the semi finals on Friday where we beat Sweden. This put us into the final against Canada. In a very close match, which came down to the last stone in the last end, Canada emerged as worthy Paralympic Champions. Team GB took a very creditable silver.
Closing ceremony
Ken Dickson (left) and the wheelchair curling team
On a chilly Sunday evening, competitors from all the disciplines assembled in one of Turin's squares and, with vast crowds lining the street, we moved to the Closing Ceremony to again enjoy another musical/dance and fireworks spectacular.
Having taken part in the ultimate sporting experience I cannot but thank all those who have made my dream come true. It was also wonderful to be given the opportunity to share experiences with a wide range of athletes from around the world.
I am now home with a Paralympic silver medal and a host of wonderful memories which will remain with me for a life time.
Who would have thought it?
Ken contributed information on wheelchair curling to Be Inspired…Stay Active, the MS Trust's pages on sport and leisure ideas, which will be published on this website soon.
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